Wearing a tie can reduce blood flow to the brain by 7.5 per cent.
Posted by Vikas Acharya on January 23, 2026A well-known medical imaging study found that wearing a tight necktie can reduce blood flow to the brain by about 7–8% in healthy adults.
What the research showed
- Participants wore a tightened necktie
- Brain blood flow was measured using imaging
- Average reduction was ~7.5%
- Flow returned to normal once the tie was loosened
Why this happens
- A tight tie increases pressure on the neck
- This can slightly restrict carotid blood flow and venous return
- It can also raise eye pressure, which is why it’s discussed in glaucoma research
Important context ⚠️
- This was a short-term effect
- Studied in healthy people
- No evidence it causes brain damage or long-term harm
- The effect is small and reversible
Who should be more cautious
- People with glaucoma
- History of stroke, vascular disease, or neck issues
- Anyone who wears ties very tight for long periods
